Khan spends on players, facilities

Posted by Mike Florio on May 1, 2012, 1:38 PM EST

AP

New Jaguars owner Shad Khan understands that, in order to succeed in the NFL, money must be spent. And Khan is willing to spend it.

He tells Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union that nearly $140 million in 2012 cap space has been committed since Khan became the owner of the team, using a large chunk of $30 million in unused 2011 cap space that was carried over.

Khan also plans to spend money on improving the team’s facilities, from upgrading the locker room to building a much-needed practice bubble.

“I want to set an example to have the best facilities,” Khan said. “I’ve been to a lot of locker rooms and we weren’t the best and we weren’t the worse. We were in the middle.”

None of this means Khan will be reckless. “You don’t want to be a sailor on shore leave where you go blow all the money you have because if are close to something and want to find a free agent, you want to be able to have the money,” Khan said. “The issue is not about lighting money on fire, because you never get that money back. The issue is to use it as a strategic asset. You don’t want to be eating your seed corn in the winter.”

As an example of the team’s fiscal prudence, Stellino points to the notion that the Jaguars “declined to pursue” defensive end Mario Williams. The truth is that Williams, we were told back in March, would not have signed with the Jaguars. But the point remains that Khan is willing to spend, as best evidenced by the fact that he’s using cap space his predecessor, Wayne Weaver, didn’t.

And so hope continues to percolate through all corners of the NFL, with every team at 0-0 and every fan thinking their team could compete for a playoff berth and, possibly, a championship as soon as this year. Count Jacksonville among the cities where hope will reside, thanks to the team’s new owner.

Why does everybody always use drunken sailors when talking about reckless spending. Whether it is a NFL owner or congress spending they are always referred to as drunken sailors. As a former Drunken Sailor I can at least say that when my money was gone I quit spending.

There has been much chatter and speculation about Shad Khan and his intentions concerning the Jaguars. The truth is that he has been very consistent in his approach to the team. He has made some off handed remarks (season ticket owners, Tebow etc) that the media has blown way out of proportion, but has managed to show his desire to field a competitive team. Looking forward to the season.

“And so hope continues to percolate through all corners of the NFL, with every team at 0-0 and every fan thinking their team could compete for a playoff berth and, possibly, a championship as soon as this year.” Such is the formula for the most successful sports league in this country. Sportswriters of all people should realize that and be thankful!

The best to him. My brother became a Jags fan in ’94 before they played a game because the Browns were turrible (thanks Chuck) and he has been a die-hard fan ever since. If only Weaver didn’t sign the GM to an extension before he left…

Also, I don’t fault the punter drafted in the 3rd round as he will only help field position and, since players like punters and kickers are usually drafted in the 4th round they probably didn’t think he would be there when their pick came up.

Once again we have idiots on here mentioning the jags moving to cali. We jags fans need not worry about that. Vikings fans on the other hand should start looking for a new team to watch cause your team is on the way out.

He just maybe build this team back into a competitive bunch if he’s willing to spend a little money. Mike Brown could learn from this guy and field a competitive team in Cincy if his pockets weren’t sown shut.

they are going to build a new state of the art kicking facility, since they have 2 of the highest paid kickers and punter in the league, called kick-world, they will host kicking competitions there year round, doesnt that guy look like ron jeremy?

What I find funny is people in Pitts, Cinncy, Cleveland, Philly, NY, Baltimore, St. Louis I could go on and on making fun of Jacksonville. I bet none of them have ever been here. I’ve lived in Kansas City, Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta and Charlotte, and this place blows all of them away. Babes riding bikes down first street, good surf, great fishing and even better golf. All this without the crap that Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Tampa and every northeast city has to deal with, overcrowding, traffic infested cement jungles.

Since the Raiders moved back to Oakland, 70% of their games have been blacked out & their stadium is a tomb. Jags haven’t had a black out in 2 years, their total blackouts are MUCH less than Oakland & they’ve got a decent stadium that both them & the city are investing in…so who’s a better chance for relocation? tool.